"Now that this closed, not of our own volition, but because of the flood, we're dealing with it, we're making lemonade out of the lemons we're dealt," said Tom Stevens.

The Vermont State Hospital was decimated by Irene a little over a year ago. At an art exhibit to honor the building's closing, it's hard for the people of Waterbury to avoid thinking about what could be next: Hurricane Sandy.

"It's a reminder that everything's fragile and people are worried, and nervous about it, because we're still dealing with the fact that we got hammered last year," said Waterbury resident Stevens.

Organizers said the exhibit titled "Going to Waterbury" is meant to be a sign of moving on from the old mental health hospital, but to some it's tough to go forward when there's uncertainty on the horizon.

"You manage to get yourself ahead and then you hear of a potential threat that's equally as bad, if not worse," said the exhibit's photographer Neil Dixon. Dixon has lived in Waterbury for a decade.

"I think everyone's more prepared, more aware of the situation, that it could happen, but again you've got nature and it's hard to control," said Dixon.

"For those that got hit hard, they're the ones that I'm most concerned about, because they're feeling a lot of anxiety, they've been through a lot and the last thing they want to hear is that another storm is on the way," said Shumlin.

And just like when dealing with the aftermath of Irene, Shumlin said working hand in hand is the key to dealing with Sandy.

"One thing about Vermonters is we reach out to each other and we take care of each other, and we will regardless of how big or small Sandy is," said Shumlin.